Theology in the Raw

Dr. Isaac Serrano, Lead Pastor of South Valley Community Church and author of "When Life Feels Empty," dives into the significance of ancient Christian rituals like baptism and communion. He discusses how these practices can reinforce faith and community, emphasizing the value of corporate singing even for the introverted. Isaac critiques the trend towards performative worship and highlights the importance of diversity within worship teams. He advocates for deeper, substantive preaching to meet the hunger for theological substance among young people.

Dr. Josh Packard, a sociologist and co-founder of Future of Faith, specializes in understanding younger generations and their relationship with faith. He discusses how generational labels fall short in capturing the diversity of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The impact of events like COVID and digital life on youth is highlighted, alongside the mixed effects of social media. Josh emphasizes the importance of sacred listening in ministry and argues for prioritizing relationships over programs to foster deeper connections and faith formation.

Todd Nettleton, the Vice President of Message for Voice of the Martyrs–USA, shares gripping insights from over 25 years of interviewing persecuted Christians. He discusses the alarming trends in global martyrdom and the harsh realities in countries like North Korea, China, and Iran, where faith can mean death. Nettleton highlights the complexities behind persecution and how it can paradoxically foster church growth. His stories of courageous believers, like Sister Tong, inspire advocacy and prayer among Christians in safer regions.

In this engaging discussion, Tara-Leigh Cobble, bestselling author and creator of The Bible Recap, shares insights on her mission to help people love the Bible. She reveals her unique 'whisper vs scream' method for understanding difficult passages and explains the impact of her 365-day reading plan. The conversation touches on the cultural shift towards deeper Bible study, the importance of God's character in faith, and how personal experiences have shaped her ministry. Tara-Leigh also humorously reflects on maintaining concise communication, influenced by studying comedians.

In this discussion, Justin E. Giboney, an ordained minister and political strategist, dives into the crucial role of the Black Church in navigating today's culture wars. He critiques the polarization driven by algorithms and urges a return to civil rights principles. Giboney highlights misconceptions about the civil rights movement and shares how the Black Church's nuanced positioning transcends traditional political binaries. He also addresses immigration policy and the importance of rejecting a narrow view of the culture war, advocating for more inclusive and comprehensive solutions.

Mike Erre, a teaching pastor at Journey Church and host of the Voxology podcast, dives into the complexities of political discipleship. He discusses the balance between curiosity and conviction in faith, highlighting how social dynamics influence pastoral ministry. Erre critiques the blending of politics with Christian identity, stressing the importance of faithful suffering over political effectiveness. He reflects on the church's disruptive role in politics and addresses managing divisions within congregations through dialogue and lament.

Dr. Andrew Rillera, an expert in Biblical Studies and author of "The Lamb of the Free," challenges the traditional view of penal substitutionary atonement. He discusses the distinctions between various types of sacrifices in the Old Testament, arguing that some grave sins cannot be addressed through sacrifice alone. Rillera emphasizes Jesus’ death as an act of solidarity with Israel’s covenant failures rather than a mere substitution for individual sins, reshaping our understanding of atonement and divine justice. His insights encourage a participatory view of Christ's redemptive work.

Jamin Goggin, an associate professor and director of the Healthy Pastor Initiative, shares his insights from over twenty years in ministry. He discusses the often hidden struggles of loneliness and temptation to power that pastors face. Jamin emphasizes the importance of pastoral confession, highlighting how it can foster accountability and healing. He also explains the concept of acedia and its impact on pastoral neglect. Balancing local church care with wider influence, he advocates for podcasts that address genuine congregational issues.

Lysa TerKeurst, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and bestselling author, shares her harrowing journey through an unwanted divorce, revealing her feelings of confusion and isolation. Alongside Dr. Joel Muddamalle, a theological expert, they explore the complexities of biblical perspectives on divorce. Lysa discusses confronting her husband about infidelity and the emotional toll it took. They also tackle theological debates, clarifying misconceptions in scripture, and how this experience has shaped Lysa’s ministry to support others facing similar challenges.

N.T. Wright, a renowned New Testament scholar, dives into his book The Vision of Ephesians. He discusses how Ephesians presents a storyline of God uniting heaven and earth through Christ, reshaping our reading of scripture. Wright explains the church as a new temple and emphasizes the significance of unity and holiness among believers. He also explores how the early church's multiculturalism challenges modern divisions, while addressing social norms around marriage and slavery, all framed as cosmic participation in spiritual warfare.